Country – Ecuador

Members of the Family - This family consists of the father of the family, Manuel Jesús Tuares Leones, who was born on June 12, 1952.  Betty Belsave Alava Rengifo is Manuel’s wife. She was born on November 26, 1963.  Blanca Johana Tuares Alava, their daughter, was born on October 9, 1983.  Maria Jisela Tuares Alava is another one of their daughters who lives with them.  

Occupation and Salary - Manuel used to work as a day laborer, earning about $100 per month.  However, due to health issues, his doctors told him he could not work.  He also owns a very small one room funeral home used for wakes.  His wife, his wife, Betty, is a housewife, but she works during the harvest season, picking fruit.  She makes $10-$12 per day during this season.

Our Story - This family greatly struggles financially due to their poor health. Manuel owned three blocks of lemon trees and used to harvest the lemons for income until he became sick.  He suffers from hypertension, diabetes and heart problems, and so the doctors told him he must stop working; however, he still does in order to help his wife, who is now the one in charge of the care of and harvesting on their farm. He is also the owner of the funeral home in the area. (The funeral home is just a small building with one big room that is used for wakes).  Manuel is a good and honest man and is always willing to help the Church when asked. Betty also suffers from hypertension and arthritis, which greatly affects her back.  Their daughter, Blanca, has only one kidney and has kidney failure. She also suffers from depression (she is in psychiatric treatment.) She is single and cares for her parents. Manuel and Betty have 3 other children who are married. 

What Your Sponsorship Provides

When you sponsor a family in Ecuador, your donation supports a monthly gift of food and basic hygiene and cleaning products for the family.  These families are very impoverished and what little income they have is not enough to buy the basic necessities.  Families will also receive monthly visits from volunteers and the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother who not only look after their physical needs but also their spiritual needs.  Any additional funds given beyond the minimum $37 per month will provide other necessities as needed, such as home repairs or basic home utensils.  Additional donations can be made here.

What You'll Receive

As a sponsor, you will receive a newsletter with general updates from our communities in India and Ecuador as well as a letter from your adopted child 3 times per year:  Easter, early fall and Christmas.  We also encourage you to send letters or cards to your adopted child by creating and logging into your account on our website.